Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionA survey conducted by Kearney and Panterra found that 53% of surveyed international firms have active or expanding investment projects in the GCC, including the UAE. Another 36% are actively exploring new opportunities across the region. The findings indicate that regulatory reforms, updated tax systems, and transparency are changing investor dynamics.
Chinese power electronics maker Hoymiles has announced plans to build Oman's first dedicated solar inverter manufacturing facility through a $100 million partnership. The agreement was signed with the Oman Investment Authority, PCG Global, and Greenwill Asset Management. In addition to inverters, the consortium aims to develop solar installations, energy storage, and power infrastructure for artificial intelligence data centres.
A record 45 bulk carriers entered the Middle East Gulf in October 2026, marking a 36 percent month-on-month increase. According to an analysis by Lloyd's List, Chinese-headquartered shipping companies accounted for 29 percent of non-Iranian-linked dry bulker transits through the region.
Chinese companies account for over 20% of registered international entries for GITEX Global and Expand North Star in Dubai, ranking second behind the UAE. Major firms including Huawei, Alibaba Cloud, Ant Group, China Mobile, and ZTE are confirmed to present cloud computing, robotics, and enterprise AI tools. Huawei has secured a 1,225-square-meter footprint focused on autonomous agent systems and digital infrastructure.
Commercial Bank of Dubai has completed wholesale Digital Dirham transfers with Bank of China through the Central Bank of the UAE's Jisr platform. The bilateral transaction demonstrated end-to-end processing and settlement of the digital currency between the two countries. The initiative forms part of the CBUAE's Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme to advance cross-border central bank digital currency capabilities.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
The UAE Federal Tax Authority announced corporate tax collections for the 2025 financial year reached approximately AED 46.52 billion, representing a 33.9% increase from 2024. Cumulative collections since the tax regime's launch reached AED 81.27 billion by the end of 2025. On-time return filing stood at 91%, with on-time payments at 97% in 2026.
The UAE-China Smart Transport Centre was launched in Dubai during the UAE-China Industrial Cooperation Forum on green and smart mobility. Held at the EV World 2026 exhibition, the permanent centre aims to translate bilateral discussions into commercial investments. It provides Chinese companies with regulatory support, vehicle compatibility verification, and partner matching in the UAE.
The UAE collected approximately Dh46.5 billion in corporate tax for financial periods ending in 2025, rising nearly 34% from Dh34.75 billion a year earlier, according to the Federal Tax Authority. Total corporate tax collected since its June 2023 inception reached Dh81.27 billion through the end of 2025. Tax compliance improved significantly, with the timely filing rate climbing to 91% and the on-time payment rate reaching 97%.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
The UAE-China Smart Transport Centre has been launched in Dubai as a permanent platform to enhance bilateral collaboration in clean and smart mobility. Announced during an industrial cooperation forum, the centre serves as a single point of access for Chinese companies to handle licensing, approvals, and joint ventures in the UAE. It also supports technical alignment with local electric vehicle charging infrastructure and skills development.
Chinese manufacturer Kitsen Formwork and Scaffolding Technology Co., Ltd. presented its aluminum and steel ringlock scaffolding systems at the Dubai Big 5 construction exhibition. The company displayed modular systems tailored for Middle Eastern contractors and equipment rental firms, emphasising corrosion resistance and assembly efficiency. KITSEN also highlighted its regional project footprint, including formwork deployments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
A Liberia-flagged crude carrier was struck by a projectile on November 10 while transiting from Al Ruwais to Dubai in the Persian Gulf. Four crew members were injured, including one Indian seafarer who was brought ashore for treatment. The remaining 18 crew members are reported safe.
The Eurasian Development Bank and UAE-based ACM Limited signed a memorandum of understanding in Abu Dhabi to expand structured financing and debt instruments. The partnership focuses on connecting international investors with financing projects across the UAE, China, Oman, and Central Asian nations. The deal was concluded during the launch event for the EDB's office at Abu Dhabi Global Market.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Energy & Sustainability
The Oman Investment Authority has set up a $500 million consortium fund targeting investments across Central Asia and the Caucasus. China Investment Corporation and Shenwan Hongyuan Securities have joined the vehicle alongside institutions from Turkey and Uzbekistan. The fund focuses on equity acquisitions across logistics, renewable energy, mining, healthcare, and agriculture.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
China's month-long Singles Day shopping festival has become a major proving ground for commercial artificial intelligence, with platforms deploying chatbots to direct purchases while consumers buy AI gadgets and computing tokens. E-commerce leaders Alibaba, JD.com, and PDD Holdings are using AI tools to engage cautious shoppers amid intense competition.
Finance & Investment
The United Arab Emirates' economic growth is projected to remain resilient despite persistent regional geopolitical tensions and a cooling global economy, according to Khaleej Times. The assessment highlights the nation's capacity to navigate wider international macroeconomic headwinds. Specific numerical indicators and underlying forecasts were not elaborated in the headline report.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has integrated Amazon UAE into the national Essential Goods Prices Platform under a new Memorandum of Understanding. First launched for brick-and-mortar stores in April 2026, the database now encompasses a major e-commerce marketplace for the first time. The move aims to enhance digital price surveillance and enforce fair commercial practices across retail sectors.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Transit restriction
Strait of Hormuz
Airspace restriction / airport disruption
Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Official travel advisory
Bahrain
Flight cancellation / route change
Damascus International Airport
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
Discover forums, exhibitions and business gatherings connecting people across China and the UAE.
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Connect with businesses across China and the UAE. Exchange knowledge, explore opportunities and contribute to a community that values cooperation, mutual understanding and peace.
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